Cooking Thursday~~Pumpkin Butter

It's that time of the year again.  Cool crisp days, leaves changing colors, apples, and pumpkins everywhere we look!  I didn't do any last year and really missed it!  I'll give apple butter a try again as well!  I use this on biscuits, as a filling in the thumb print cookies and more.  You could probably do this in the crockpot as well.

Pumpkin Butter

16 cups pumpkin puree

1 cup lemon juice

8 cups sugar

4 tsp. cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer about 1 1/2 hours or until the mixture is thick.  Keep stirring while it is on the stove so it doesn't burn. 

Pour into hot clean canning jars.  Leaving 1/2 inch head space.  Put the lids on and process for 10 minutes in a hot water bath.

***NOTE: if you use fresh pumpkin it will take longer to cook down because of the extra moisture in it.***

Makes 12 (8 ounce) jars.  A lot of the time I use 4 ounce jars so I can give them out as gifts.

To see other Cooking Thursday posts, visit Diary of a SAHM.

Homeschool So Far...

This year has been going very well so far.  We begin in August so we can ease back into our routine.  For our main curriculum we are using Rod and Staff.  We love the simplicity of the books...not a lot of "fluff". 

For History we are using the Bible.  We are also using the History Channel's "America: The Story of Us".  It is a very good movie!  Although...it can be pretty graphic.  So just use your judgment if you use this with your children.  Our children are 16, 13, and 10 they are really enjoying it.  The website has a ton of activities to add to your lessons.

I'm also part of The Old Schoolhouse's Homeschool Crew.  We get a variety of products to try and then I blog about them.  So far we have not had anything we didn't enjoy using.  There are many more coming as well, so come back and check out what we've used. 

I'm also a part of the Download N Go review team.  I. LOVE. DNG!!  It is so easy to use.  These unit studies are written by Amanda Bennett.  She has done so many unit studies.  I wish I would of heard of her when we first started homeschooling 5 years ago.

The BEST news from this year came a while ago with our test results from last year!!!  Each one of our children jumped up substantially in their test scores.  For example:  Katrina when we first started homeschooling tested at the 5th percentile....in math.  This year she was in the 50th percentile!!  Hannah was in the 3rd percentile the first year in reading comprehension....this year 60th!!!  Andrew last year tested at the 10th percentile in language arts and this year was in the 80th!!!  I wanted to do a cartwheel....if I wasn't afraid of breaking my back again....LOL!

If you are visiting from the Hip Homeschool Blog Hop....Welcome, I pray you enjoy your time here.

Book Review~~It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know

 

 

Today's Wild Card author is:

Rachel Olsen

and the book:

It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know

David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Groupfor sending me a review copy.***

MY THOUGHTS:

There is nothing more heart warming than sitting down with a girlfriend over a cup of coffee or tea.  This is what this book was to me....sitting at the table having a wonderful conversation with Rachel.   She is so down to earth and REAL!   This book gave me a lot to think about and ponder in my own walk with Christ.  Some good and some not so good!  Get your shovel out and start digging into God's word right along with Rachel!  There are many treasures to be found with in the pages of the Bible.  It's up to us to uncover them.

Wild Grape Jelly

Wild Grape Jelly

We have SO many wild grape vines around our house that we decided it was time to do something with them.  We got a whole big box full!  The most difficult part of it was picking the tiny grapes off of the stem.   I wasn't real sure how many grapes we had but it more than covered the bottom of the pan.  Add a small amount of water~~just so they wouldn't burn.  Let them heat up and start to boil.  Then with a potato masher crush the grapes.  Cook for about 30 minutes on low.  Pour into a strainer lined with cheese cloth and let them drip.  If you have a fine mesh strainer you can just use that.  Let it drip drip drip until you have 3 cups of liquid or almost that amount.  You can add a small amount if need be.

Here is the complete recipe:

3 cups of grape juice

6 cups of sugar (next time I make this I will use less sugar)

3/4 cups water (if you need to add to grape juice to make 3 cups of juice)

1 package powdered pectin

Place grape juice in large pan (I always use enamel for jellies) add the box of pectin.  Over medium high heat bring to a boil and boil at a full rolling boil for one minute.

Add sugar and stir until dissolved.  About a minute.  Remove from heat and ladle into hot clean canning jars.  Place the 2 piece lid on top and place in hot water bath canner for 10 minutes.

It might a few days for the jelly to completely set up.  Mine took about a day.  It was WAY better than store bought.  ENJOY!

Very cool give a way!

As you will remember I hosted a give a way of a bookmark made by my very crafty Sister in Law.  WELL now she is having one on her All You Need Designs' blog.  These really cool wine glass charms.

Go on over and enter her give a way!!

Book Review~~Stronger: Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jim Daly

and the book:

Stronger: Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength

David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

About the author:

Jim Daly joined the Focus on the Family staff over 20 years ago, initially in the ministry’s public affairs division. Since that time, he has worked extensively in the formation and development of the international outreach of the ministry serving as field director of Asia, Africa, and Australia. Serving in additional roles within marketing and public affairs, Daly continually accepted greater roles of responsibility until his most recent appointment in February 2005 as president and CEO of this internationally recognized family-centered ministry. He is the author of Finding Home: An Imperfect Path to Faith and Family, a deeply personal memoir. He resides in Colorado Springs with his wife, Jean, and two sons.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143476446X
ISBN-13: 978-1434764461

I am almost done with this book.  When I finish I will add my view on the book.

Download N Go Review~~Autumn Treasure

AH yes the changing leaves, crisp cool nights, cool days....my favorite time of the year!  Apples, pumpkins and more.   The next study given to us to try out was Autumn Treasures.  This was so far my favorite study. 

Here is a little of what our week looked like!

Day 1: What is Autumn?
Day 2: Science Secrets of Autumn
Day 3: People and Places of Autumn
Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Autumn
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Autumn

Leaves are changing!  I love this....we drove around to check out the leaves.

God is an amazing artist!!

Apples anyone?!  We saw apple cider being made, apple pies being baked, and tried wonderful homemade doughnuts!  No wonder autumn is our favorite time of the year!!

Full moon!  This was taken last year but still fit into this study!

Autumn has the BEST sunrises!  Go on over to Download N Go and have an autumn journey much like we had.  No matter where you live!  All the links are right there for you.  Here is alittle sample of what you'll get with the unit study.



It's a Autumnal Equinox Special.....

NOW through September 24.  Autumn Treasures is on sale, 20% off!! 

**This unit study was provided to us by Download N Go for review.**



Cooking Thursday~~Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

2&1/4 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1&1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg, beaten

2/3 c. milk

1/2 c. vegetable oil

3&1/2 c. shredded raw apples

Combine first five ingredients in a bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture. Combine egg, milk and oil. Add to dry ingredients. Stir until moistened. Stir in shredded apples. Spoon into greased muffin pans filling 3/4 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 1 dozen.

To see other Cooking recipes go on over to Diary of a SAHM.

Book Review~~Petra: City in Stone by T.L. Higley

Today's Wild Card author is:

T. L. Higley

and the book:

Petra: City of Stone

B&H Books (September 15, 2010)

***Special thanks to T.L. Higley for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracy started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. After attending Philadelphia Biblical University, she earned a B.A. in English Literature at Rowan University. She then spent ten years writing drama presentations for church ministry. A lifelong interest in history and mythology has led Tracy to extensive research into ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, and shaped her desire to shine the light of the gospel into the cultures of the past. She has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy to research her novels, and looks forward to more travel as the series continues.

MY THOUGHTS:

This book was not one I would usually read.  I'm not sure why I picked it but I'm SO happy I did.  This was a very well written easy to read book.  Men and women alike would enjoy reading this.   I like the way T.L. Higley combined christian faith, history and fiction all into one action packed novel.  I love books that have all of the above wrapped into one text!  I'm passing this onto my husband to read....as soon as he is done with Bible College.  He has no time to read for pleasure right now.

FIRST Book Review~~Follow by Floyd McClung

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; 2 edition (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434701921
ISBN-13: 978-1434701923

***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

This book is something that every church needs to read!  But just a word of caution...put on your steel toed boots.  You toes WILL be stepped on.  Take for example this quote from page 76, "Pride is an undue sense of self-importance.  It is pretending to be something we are not, refusing to acknowledge our weaknesses or recognize our natural limitations." OUCH!  How many times do we get it in our heads that we can do all!  Or get upset because we were not the one chosen to do that particular thing.

At the end of each chapter there are reflection questions.  I plan on going through this book again at a much slower pace, this time with my husband.  There are three truths Floyd says that followers and seekers of Jesus must wrestle with.  Worship, Mission and Community...the last one is something I see many churches now a days not being a part of.  We need to be out there sharing Jesus with others.  Where did Jesus minister?



Review~~Molly's Money Saving Digest~~ September 2010

This issue is filled with many great things.  From how to fill your pantry to turning everyday items into something new.

In the section called Something Old Something New they talk about making candles.  Funny because I have had this candle making kit for a long time now just collecting dust.  So the kids and I went to work making candles.   I'll post pictures when I am able to upload them onto the computer.  We had such a great time.  There is nothing like the soft glow of candles on a cold winters night to warm a body up.

This is just one of many articles in this month's issue of Molly's Money Saving Digest.  For $4.95 you can have a frugal way to stock your pantry, decorate your home and a weeks worth of menus!! 

Because of this issue my family once again enjoyed homemade meatballs.  I can't tell you how long it has been since I've made "real" meatballs as my son calls them.  I have issues with raw meat.  I do not like to touch it...LOL!  But I put on my tough skin and did it because I love my family!

Here is a sneak peak on what is inside:

For just $4.95 purchase the September Molly’s Money-Saving Digest now, or become a monthly Molly Member and subscribe for only $3.95 per month!  As a subscriber you get not only the monthly digest but extras all month long!!

You can also go to the Econobusters blog and read about more money saving ideas.  I LOVE this blog!  I have to say it is one of my favorites.

**I received this digest free for review in exchange for my honest review.**

Book Review~~Heart of the Lonely Exile

Today's Wild Card author is:

BJ Hoff

and the book:

Heart of the Lonely Exile (Book Two in The Emerald Ballad series)

Harvest House Publishers (July 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Karri James of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

This series is a really good one.  I love books where I start reading them and can not put them down.   But best of all my 16 year old liked this one as well.   I have to grab the books before she gets to them or I can't read them when I need to.

Vintage Baseball

As I mentioned before about our daughter volunteering at The Genesee Country Village and Museum. Well our son has also started doing the same thing....except he, for the most part will be helping out with the vintage baseball.  The only "downfall" that they said was that either my husband or myself would have to stay with him the whole day....oh bummer! LOL!

This is the entrance to the baseball park...yes there is even a baseball park within the museum!

Here he is in costume!  I thought he looked like a little farmer boy!  Then again I thought he looked like Tom Sawyer! :-)

It is difficult to see in the picture but this told about the rules of baseball back then.  If you've never seen a game played by vintage rules I highly suggest you find one, either online or in person!  The first game Andrew worked was played by 1865 rules and the second was 1864 rules.  The main difference we noticed was that you could catch a ball on one hop in the 1864 rules.  Boy, talk about learning something foreign!!  I love baseball but these rules will take some getting use to.

Getting the field ready.

Players getting ready.  The ball they used back then could not weigh less than 5.5 ounces but could not weigh more than 5.75.  It was made out of India-rubber and yarn then covered with leather.

He is the cutest roustabout I've ever seen!  We know the roustabout as a bat boy in today's terms.

The Live Oak team.  Sorry I did not get a picture of the other teams.

The striker!  Or as we know it...the batter.

Flower City player.

Dew drop = slow pitch.  They did not pitch like in today's game.  They pitched underhand.  Pitcher was called a bowler, hurler, thrower or feeder.

Basetender

Ouch!  I think this was a stinger!  Or a hard hit ball.

The second game Andrew was working the scoreboard.  He said he liked this the best!

Tally is a run.  Three hands out is 3 outs and time to change positions.

This was the first game I had sat through.  I must say we really enjoyed ourselves.  We are thinking about volunteering at the museum next year as a family!!  How much fun that would be!!

Book Review~~Song of the Silent Harp (Book 1)

Today's Wild Card author is:

BJ Hoff

and the book:

Song of the Silent Harp (Book One in The Emerald Ballad series)

Harvest House Publishers (July 1, 2010)

About the book:

Song of the Silent Harp, Book One of BJ Hoff’s acclaimed and bestselling Emerald Ballad series begins the five-book saga of three friends raised in a tiny Irish village devastated by the Potato Famine of the mid-1800s, as they struggle to survive and hold onto their faith during Ireland’s darkest days…

Nora Kavanagh has lost her husband and young daughter, and now lives in fear of losing her home. She and her young son, Daniel, have only one hope for survival, the poet/patriot—and love of Nora’s youth--Morgan Fitzgerald. But his dangerous involvement with a band of Irish rebels keeps him in constant danger and puts the possibility of a future for him and those he loves in jeopardy.

Michael Burke, a close childhood friend of both Nora and Morgan, left his homeland for America and is now a New York City policeman. A widower with a difficult, rebellious son, he still remembers Nora with love and fondness and wants nothing more than to help her escape the cataclysmic famine and build a new life…with him.

This panoramic epic of love and faith and adventure spans an ocean to follow three of BJ Hoff’s most memorable characters in their quest for survival and courage and hope.

***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

BJ Hoff’s bestselling historical novels continue to cross the boundaries of religion, language, and culture to capture a worldwide reading audience. Her books include Song of Erin and American Anthem and such popular series as The Riverhaven Years, The Mountain Song Legacy, and The Emerald Ballad. Hoff’s stories, although set in the past, are always relevant to the present. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements or in coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life. BJ and her husband make their home in Ohio.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99

Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (July 1, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0736927883

ISBN-13: 978-0736927888

This was a wonderful story about Ireland's potato famine and how the people held onto their faith during these tough times.  The detail in the book was really amazing!! 

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Autumn like!!!  The leaves are starting to change.  I love fall in NY!

Things that make me happy:

fresh picked apples

Book I'm reading:

Bible~~Reading through in 4 months!  I'm doing very well and the blessings are HUGE!

What I'm enjoying on TV:

I'm watching an old Martha Stewart show...she is showing how to make a clothes pin bag.  So cute.

On the menu for dinner:

We had spaghetti and meatballs.  Our "Supper" meal is at noon so we can eat as a family.  The kids and I have a lunch type meal later.

On my To Do List:

Make my Christmas craft list.  With my new planner I'm putting in a crafting section.  The planner already had a craft planning form.  I'm putting in websites I found on my blog hopping and surfing.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Saltine Candy~~aka Sweet and Saltines I got this from Sandra's food blog.  OH MY these are SO good!

In the craft basket:

starting to clean out the dust bunnies.  I'm making my list of "to do's" for Christmas.

Looking forward to this week:

The start of our kids club at church.

Tips and Tricks:

It is better to organize one room at a time.  This way you do not feel so overwhelmed.

My favorite blog post this week:

Well it's not done yet, but it's the one about my son's adventure with 1800's baseball this weekend.  See picture below.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):

I did not get to many blogs this week let alone new ones.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share): 

He was the "roustabout" or what we call a bat boy for the first game.  The next game he did the scoreboard.  He loved this.  I'll do the post later today.

Lesson learned the past few days:

Reading through the Bible is not as difficult as I once believed.  I have started this many times but always fizzle out a few books in.    Even reading through the books of Law hasn't been that bad for me.  It has made me realized that God doesn't ask that much of me.  Not like what was required of those back in the Bible!!

On my mind:

friends and family

military families

church

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Jeremiah 29:13

"And you will seek Me and find Me, you search for Me with all your heart."

To see other Happy Homemaker posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

TOS Crew Review~~America's Math Teacher by Math Essentials

Math~~not one of my best subjects!!  I've found that people either love it or hate it.  Our daughter's do not like it.  Our son LOVES it.  So when I was offered a subscription to try for free as a part of the TOS Crew, I was a bit apprehensive!  But thankfully my husband LOVES math so he helped me review this site.

ABOUT:

America's Math Teacher is an online program divided into 4 courses. 

Basic Math, Advanced Math, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra.

Each course has video lessons, written practice exercises, and evaluations.

The cost of a year subscription is $195.

Our Experience with this product:

Our daughter's both have learning disabilities that make it difficult for them to learn certain things.  Math is one of their biggest struggles.  This program was a good program, but just not a good fit for our family.

The videos were very clear and easy to understand....for myself and my husband.  Our daughter's did not understanding the way some things were described.  That is not because of Math Essentials website.  Our son LOVED the videos and wanted to keep doing it.  He tends to hold himself back because he doesn't want his sister's to feel bad about their learning.  He is such a tender heart!!

BUT....we did like the printed materials.  For some reason our children like workbook stuff more than anything else.  They have been working on their speed drills and have built up their confidence in math.  I THANK America's Math Teacher for this!!

But don't just take my word for it....go on over and see what other TOS Crew members are saying!

**I received a free 60 day subscription to this website for review and my honest opinion.**

My Planner....

A while ago I was given the opportunity to make an advertisement for The Old Schoolhouse planner.  I printed up what I wanted to put in it and went to work creating a planner that worked for my family.  Here are some pictures of what I came up with.

I started by covering a 3-ring binder with some material I had.  Then I placed a plastic page protector on the cover.  So when I buy the planner next year I will just have to remove the old cover and slip in the new one.

I love this planner because everything is all in one place.  I don't have 5 different binders all over the house.  I keep this in one general location and all the information is right at my finger tips.

My month at a glance.  I've even included my Bible reading schedule.  I'm reading through the Bible in 4 months!!  I can open this up on any given day and see what is going on and what needs to be done.

This is where I'm keeping all our Homeschool information.  There is Unit Studies I want to do, attendance forms, field trip forms~~which I move over to our month at a glance section so I know what I need to prepare for and cover with the children.  There are educational charts and a list of curriculum I want to look at.

I have a section for our household information.  I printed each section on different colored paper so I can find it easily.  I have a ton of forms in here.  There are car maintenance schedules, household repairs (my husband LOVES this one...hint of sarcasm in there), budget information which has been great for us, we really never lived on a budget.  We are now working one up and are very excited about it.  My favorite part of this section is the craft planning pages!!  I come across so many craft projects I want to do.  I save them on my computer hidden away never to be looked at again.  Now I just print, or write the instructions and place them in this section.  I can even break it down into how much this project will cost.

We are planning our very first BIG family vacation to Orlando FL in December 2011.  We were very excited to see the vacation plans form!  There are SO many forms and pages in this planner I add new sections and forms every day!

This planner is GREAT for anyone!!  Even if you do not homeschool I HIGHLY suggest you check this planner out.  There are over 600 pages for you to choose from. 

Book Review~~A Hope For Hannah by Jerry Eicher

Harvest House Publishers (June 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Karri James of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

MY REVIEW: So many times in life when trials hit we just want to run and hide.  Or we question why God would do this to us!  This book was a good reminder of God's love for us.  He uses trials in our lives to strengthen us.  Only after the trial do we realize the blessings that come from them. 

Product Details:

List Price: $11.99
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (June 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736930442
ISBN-13: 978-0736930444

Simple Woman Daybook

Outside my window... ~

the sun is shinning and the birds are enjoying the morning

I am thinking... ~

about the wonderful weekend we had.

I am thankful for... ~

my husband's promotion at work.  The new position is 2nd shift where he works from 2:30-11:30pm.  I am SO enjoying having him here.  He has taken over math class for the children and we begin our day with Bible class!!  He is a wonderful leader of our family.  I am also enjoying my time in the evening when the children are asleep.  Most importantly I enjoy waiting for him to come home!

From the learning rooms...~

a lot of learning! 

Autumn Treasures from Download N Go.

A few things for review for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Review Crew.

I am wearing... ~

Sweat shirt and jean skirt

I am remembering... ~

the wonderful time we spent this weekend

I am going... ~

no where special

I am currently reading... ~

through the Bible in 4 months!!

I am praying... ~

about our school year.

On my mind... ~

family

Noticing that... ~

our children are growing up so fast!

Pondering these words... ~

Colossians 1:28

"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."

From the kitchen... ~

Spanish Rice

Eclair Cake

Banana Bread

Zucchini Bread

Around the house... ~

Many tasks to be completed! But I've learned to take them one day at a time one moment at a time.  Otherwise I feel so overwhelmed.

I am creating...~

A series of blog posts about houses in The Genesee Country Village and Museum.

One of my favorite things ~

Listening to my husband lead our children through the Bible.

A few plans for the rest of the week…~

nothing much really.  I love weeks like this!

From my picture journal…~

Canning jars from long ago.  This was taken at the Genesee Country Village and Museum. 

To see other daybooks go over to The Simple Woman's Daybook blog.